News, Politics & Government items

A super, and very topical (Spring 2010), practice Level 2 Literacy test based on a student union magazine article about education cuts.
12 multiple choice questions cover spelling, comprehension, grammar, tone, punctuation, etc. These are followed by 5 non-multiple choice questions which include a writing task, persuasive writing techniques, and summarising.
Please also download the related PowerPoint (see below).
Contributed by Rachel Emmett and Rose Veitch

A fabulous set of scaffolded reading/writing tasks – written for E2-E3 ESOL but absolutely ideal for Entry 2-3 (and higher) Functional English. The reading is based on three different topical texts on this emotive subject (spring 2010).
The writing involves writing a letter to your MP – a frame is provided for E2 writers. Get your college/students involved in this now!
With full details of relevant Functional English criteria.
Please also download the related PowerPoint (see below).

A super, and very topical (Spring 2010), practice Level 1 Literacy test based on a letter of protest written to the Prime Minister. 12 multiple choice questions cover spelling, comprehension, grammar, punctuation, paragraphing and purpose of text.
Please also download the related PowerPoint (see below).

A comprehension activity based on a BBC 2009 news report. Comprehension questions, anagram and spelling games.

A comprehension activity based on a BBC 2009 news report about two police officers who were told they had acted illegally after looking after each others children. Three vocabulary / synonym exercises and a short writing task.

Looking at Newspapers is a wonderful example of creative differentiated teaching across all levels (E1-L2). A detailed lesson description, resources and introductory PPT are included. The lesson uses Kipling’s “What and Why and When, And How and Where and Who” to help students analyse newspaper reports and interview other students, or their teacher, to create their own reports.

A challenging set of tasks (and points for discussion) based on two opposing articles from a Sunday paper. Designed to assess whether students are working at level 2 standards and can follow an argument, recognise bias, distinguish between fact and opinion, etc.

Topical practice with reading and writing large numbers (up to billions) and ideal for start-of-term place value classes. Topics inc, Bruce Forsyth’s salary, the possible Cadburys takeover and Heathrow Airport statistics. Includes a useful place value chart.
A second updated sheet was added in April 2011 – also available below

A topical Entry 3 BBC news text (which has an accompanying video) with comprehension questions and dictionary work.

A comprehension activity based on a BBC news report (Oct 08) about a computer game. 15 questions (ideal for teenagers) covering general comprehension and vocabulary.